New Web Pub Focuses on ‘American Renewal’ and Compelling Readers to Act

If you’re looking for something other than cute animals or faux civil rights controverseries to inspire you on the internet, it’s arrived. It’s called NationSwell, a new media company that focuses on good things. Forget if it bleeds, it leads; NationSwell’s headlines are about non-profits conquering food deserts, environmental iniatives, health policy and innovation, and eduation.

It’s like the 2008 Obama campaign met Henry Blodget. The site is a mix of aggregated and original reporting by a team of seasoned freelance writers, led by founder Greg Behrman and managing editor Cathy Sharick, formerly of Time.com.

And some stories, although it’s still in beta, are connected to direct ways to take action, whether it be donating to the cause or tweeting a representative associated with the issue. Unlike other media companies focused on “things that matter,” like Upworthy — NationSwell wants readers to do more than just hit a share button. With recent trends and successes in crowdfunding, social entrepreneurship, and viral content, it’s not a bad business model.

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